Source: The Melboure Age [Letters to the Editor]

A civil society?
WHILE criticisms of Minister Brough in relation to his comments about carers (Letters, 2/11) are understood, neither major political party has made a significant indent in the quality of life for people with disabilities and their carers in recent times.

Carers, often parents of children with disabilities, call us in despair and frustration, with complaints about lack of funding, insufficient support services, and about being treated with contempt by government officials when they dare to complain. When the election is over, the temporary focus on carers of people with disabilities will diminish to its usual level. Parents will separate, seek treatment for depression, and call legal services such as ours as government continues to ignore what is a shameful situation for a country with our wealth. One wonders the value of a good economy when we cannot look after those disadvantaged.

Julie Phillips, manager Disability Discrimination Legal Service